Sports type helmet integratable with smoke detector

ABSTRACT

A sporting type helmet with a smoke detector. The sporting type helmet features a partial shell defining a portion of a complete helmet. The partial shell is curved and is three-dimensional. The partial shell forms a concave cavity configured to engage around an outer periphery of said smoke detector so as to cover said smoke detector. The partial shell also includes an aperture or helmet button on said partial shell for conducting periodical testing of the smoke detector. The partial shell also includes a plurality of vents that permit smoke to reach the smoke detector. The partial shell also incorporates a speaker that can issue audible sounds upon testing or operation of the smoke detector.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates generally to sporting and/or safety systems and more specifically to sporting and/or safety systems for use in relation to fire or threats of fire.

Fire and the threat of fire represent a considerable risk to many communities and to our society at large. In the first few weeks of any winter, for example, numerous civilian fire fatalities can be attributed to residential fires according to the United States Fire Administration National Fire Data Center. Although 90% of all residences now have smoke detectors, smoke detectors were absent in 42% of residential fires where such fatalities occurred. It is thus clear that a need exists to increase the rate at which smoke detectors are utilized in many homes.

It is estimated that 2008 attendance records for baseball, football, hockey and basketball games reached over 120 million in the United States alone. Many such sports fans are passionate about their teams and will typically purchase merchandise to identify with their teams. It would be desirable to encourage many of these sports fans to either employ or continue to employ smoke detectors in their homes or buildings.

With regard to existing smoke detectors, many such conventional smoke detectors do represent a fire threat to children and young adolescents. Smoke detectors that are visible to children lying on their beds might cause discomfort and unsettling feelings that might prevent children from quickly falling asleep.

There is a need to address one or more of the foregoing disadvantages of conventional systems and methods, and the present invention meets this need.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of a sporting type helmet integratable with a smoke detector can be found in exemplary embodiments of the present invention.

In a first embodiment, the sporting type helmet includes a partial exterior shell, defining a portion of a complete helmet. The partial exterior shell may be a three-dimensional representation of a helmet of the type utilized for sporting or recreational activities. For example, the partial exterior shell might be an NFL football helmet or MLB baseball helmet.

The partial shell generally has a curved exterior surface that is three-dimensional. The curved exterior surface edges can extend toward each other to form a cavity. In general, the opening of the cavity is formed on an axis that splits the complete helmet. The cavity can then be integrated with an outer periphery of said smoke detector so as to mask said smoke detector. The cavity might simply be detachably coupled with existing smoke detectors.

Alternatively, the cavity might be unitarily formed with a smoke detector or smoke detector base. The partial shell itself has a test means (e.g., a helmet button or aperture) integrated thorough the partial shell so that the smoke detector can be periodically tested. A number of vents on the partial shell also provide smoke ventilation so that smoke can reach the smoke detector. The partial shell of the smoke detector might also incorporate a speaker that can issue audible sounds upon testing or operation of the smoke detector.

A further understanding of the nature and advantages of the present invention herein may be realized by reference to the remaining portions of the specification and the attached drawings. Further features and advantages of the present invention, as well as the structure and operation of various embodiments of the present invention, are described in detail below with respect to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, the same reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1A illustrates a helmet safety system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 1B is a lateral elevation view of the helmet safety system of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 1C is a plan view of the helmet safety system 100 of FIG. 1A.

FIG. 2 illustrates another helmet safety system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 3 illustrates an alternate helmet safety system according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

Reference will now be made in detail to the embodiments of the invention, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. While the invention will be described in conjunction with the preferred embodiments, it will be understood that they are not intended to limit the invention to these embodiments. On the contrary, the invention is intended to cover alternatives, modifications and equivalents, which may be included within the spirit and scope of the invention as defined by the appended claims. Furthermore, in the following detailed description of the present invention, numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention.

However, it will be obvious to one of ordinary skill in the art that the present invention may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, well-known methods, procedures, components, and circuits have not been described in detail as to not unnecessarily obscure aspects of the present invention.

FIG. 1A illustrates helmet safety system 100 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 1, helmet safety system 100 comprises helmet 102 and smoke detector 104. Preferably, helmet 102 is an NFL football-type helmet or replica thereof, MLB baseball-type helmet or replica thereof, ice hockey-type helmet or replica thereof or other protective sporting-type helmet used in various recreational and sporting activities. Although helmet 102 is illustrated as a football helmet in FIG. 1A, one of ordinary skill in the art will realize that other sporting-type helmets consistent with the spirit and scope of the present invention can be utilized.

Here, helmet 102 comprises partial shell 106, which is an exterior shell defining a part of complete helmet 110. The other portion of complete helmet 110 is portion 112 illustrated as hatched lines. Here, portion 112 is imaginary and has been shown for illustrative purposes only; partial shell 106 is implementable and can be manufactured without reference to portion 112 or complete helmet 110.

Partial shell 106 is preferably made of any suitable hard plastic-type material with suitable strength or any polycarbonate material such as Lexan™. Partial shell 106 includes aperture 121 providing a user with access to button 122 to periodically test smoke detector 104. Although not shown, aperture 121 might be a button that is itself directly coupled to button 122.

In one embodiment, when button 122 is depressed, audible outputs e.g., crowd cheers related the helmet 102 team are produced via speaker 119. If, however, smoke detector 104 is low on battery, an audible warning is periodically generated. For example, “warning replace batteries in room A” might be periodically generated until smoke detector 104 becomes operative.

A voice recording feature that is customized to the occupant of a room is also provided. If, for example, smoke is detected in a room, a warning message such as “warning, smoke detected in Bill's room, evacuate,” might be periodically generated until the situation is rectified.

As with any other football-type helmet, partial shell 106 also includes logo 123, strap 124 and face mask 126 formed of wire members. Logo 123 is preferably a logo associated with a recognizable sports franchise belonging to, for example, the NFL for football or MLB for baseball. In this manner, sporting fans and enthusiasts for such teams can identify with helmet safety system 100 and be motivated to use said helmet safety system 100 including smoke detector 104 thus increasing the rate at which smoke detectors are used.

The wire members of face mask 126 can be formed of any suitable material with requisite strength such as steel, each wire member being covered with a plastic coating. Strap 124 can be formed of any suitable elastic material attached thereon with a buckle. It is noted that in accordance with the present invention, each of strap 124 and face mask 126 are incomplete elements.

Unlike any conventional helmet safety system, partial shell 106 also has a curvature or concave exterior surface 114 that is three-dimensional in that it possesses depth as well as width and height as shown in FIG. 1A. Here, concave exterior surface 114 edges extend toward each other to form aperture 116 having opening 118. As shown, opening 118 is formed on axis 120, shown here on a vertical plane. Axis 120 might indicate a split of complete helmet 110 when placed upright on horizontal plane 128. As shown, horizontal plane 128 and the vertical place of axis 120 are perpendicular.

Opening 118 of aperture 116 is operative to engage the exterior of smoke detector 104. In this manner, among other advantages, smoke detector 104 can be masked so as to reduce the appearance or threat of fire to which children are susceptible. Here, smoke detector 104 comprises a plurality of vents 130 for allowing smoke to reach the detector and test button 122 for periodically testing smoke detector 104 as is conventionally performed.

In use, a user wishing to employ helmet safety system 100 begins by placing helmet 102 over smoke detector 104 such that smoke detector 104 is within aperture 116. Test button 122 is then aligned with aperture 121. At this point, helmet 102 can be securely attached to smoke detector 104 via a plurality of fastening means. The fastening means might be a hook and loop system or via use of a plurality of set screws around the perimeter of smoke detector 104 (FIG. 1B). After secure fastening has been achieved, smoke detector 104 is completely masked by helmet 102. A user can periodically test smoke detector 104 via aperture 121 for proper functioning. To provide smoke ventilation, smoke can reach smoke detector 104 via the plurality of vents 130 and via air gaps 127 between face guard 126 wire members as shown with further reference to FIG. 1B.

In this manner, sports fans can customize their smoke detectors according to their favorite sports teams; sports fans are also encouraged to use and properly maintain smoke detectors in their homes. Children can also relate positively to smoke detector 104 and help reinforce the importance of fire safety. Helmet safety system 100 can also serve as an educational tool which parents can utilize to discuss fire safety.

FIG. 1B is a lateral elevation view of helmet safety system 100 of FIG. 1A.

In FIG. 1B, helmet 102 is over smoke detector 104 such that when observed from a direction A, smoke detector 104 is masked by helmet 102. Here, both helmet 102 and smoke detector 104 might be integrated using screw 132 although other suitable coupling mechanisms may be utilized. For example, a hook and loop attaching mechanism may be employed.

Face guard 126 is also shown providing partial masking of smoke detector 104. Air gaps 127 between the wire members of face guard 126 provide requisite ventilation and allow smoke to reach the smoke detector 104. This face guard ventilation is in addition to vents 130, which might be provided on smoke detector 104 itself In alternate embodiments using helmets without face guards, a plurality of vents suitably dispersed throughout helmet 102 can be provided.

In one embodiment, helmet 102 is operative to mask existing smoke detectors. In such as case, height H of smoke detector 104 is suitably selected to exceed the height of (“H”) of cover 103 of smoke detector 104. The width of helmet 102 can be suitably selected based on the size of smoke detector 104. In an alternate embodiment, helmet 102 represents cover 103 and is suitably and preferably, unitarily molded with base 105 of smoke detector 104. In such a case, a user can simply hang the entire unit in a desired location.

FIG. 1C is a plan view of helmet safety system 100 of FIG. 1A.

In FIG. 1C, specifically, the view of helmet safety system 100 is shown from direction A of FIG. 1B. Helmet 102 substantially covers the entirety of smoke detector 104. Hatched lines 103 show the outline of smoke detector 104 beneath helmet 102. Logo 123 is also shown. If helmet safety system 100 is attached to the ceiling, this is the view visible to many users. As noted, users and children can identify with logo 123 and helmet 102 as belonging to their favorite team creating a sense of calm for children in particular.

FIG. 2 illustrates helmet safety system 200 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 2, helmet safety system comprises helmet 202 and smoke detector 204. Unlike the embodiment of FIG. 1A, helmet 202 is a baseball helmet. Helmet 202 comprises partial shell 206 forming a portion of a complete helmet. Helmet 202 might be formed by splitting a complete helmet along vertical axis 220. As shown, a plurality of vents 231 are directly provided on helmet 202 to enable smoke to reach detector 204. Aperture 221 is also provided to allow access to test button 222 for periodical testing of smoke detector 204.

FIG. 3 illustrates helmet safety system 300 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 3, helmet safety system 300 includes helmet 302 and smoke detector 304. Helmet 302 consists of partial shell 306. Unlike the embodiments of FIGS. 1A & 2, complete helmet 310 is split along a vertical axis 320 to form partial shell 306. Partial shell 306 can then provide masking by either detachably or fixedly integrating partial shell 306 over smoke detector 304.

FIG. 4 illustrates helmet safety system 400 according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

In FIG. 4, helmet safety system 400 includes helmet 402 and smoke detector 404. Helmet 402 consists of complete shell 406 unlike the embodiment of FIG. 3. Complete shell 406 can provide masking by either detachably or fixedly integrating helmet 402 over smoke detector 404 via aperture 431.

While the above is a complete description of exemplary specific embodiments of the invention, additional embodiments are also possible. Thus, the above description should not be taken as limiting the scope of the invention, which is defined by the appended claims along with their full scope of equivalents. 

1. A sporting type helmet integratable with a smoke detector, said sporting type helmet comprising: a partial shell defining a portion of a complete helmet, wherein said partial shell defines a generally concave exterior surface, said generally concave exterior surface being three-dimensional, wherein edges of said generally concave exterior surface extend toward each other forming an aperture with an opening, wherein said opening is formed on an axis, said axis defining a split of said complete helmet when said complete helmet is placed upright on a horizontal plane, wherein said opening of said aperture is configured to engage around an outer periphery of said smoke detector so as to substantially cover said smoke detector; a test means on said partial shell for conducting periodical testing of said smoke detector; and a plurality of vents through said partial shell permitting smoke to reach said smoke detector masked by said partial shell.
 2. The sporting type helmet of claim 1 wherein said axis is a vertical axis.
 3. The sporting type helmet of claim 1 wherein said axis is a horizontal axis.
 4. The sporting type helmet of claim 1 wherein said means for testing is an aperture, said aperture providing user access to a test button on said smoke detector.
 5. The sporting type helmet of claim 1 wherein said means for testing is a helmet button detachably coupled to a test button on said smoke detector.
 6. The sporting-type helmet of claim 1 further comprising audio speakers configured to issue a warning upon detection of smoke by said smoke detector.
 7. The sporting type helmet of claim 2 wherein said partial shell is a side shell, said side shell being substantially one-half of said complete helmet.
 8. The sporting type helmet of claim 2 wherein said partial shell is a top shell above said vertical axis.
 9. A sporting type helmet integratable with a smoke detector, said sporting type helmet comprising: a means for defining at least a portion of a complete helmet, wherein said means for defining defines a generally concave exterior surface, said generally concave exterior surface being three-dimensional, wherein edges of said generally concave exterior surface extend toward each other forming an aperture with an opening, wherein said opening is formed on an axis, said axis defining a split of said complete helmet when said complete helmet is placed upright on a horizontal plane, wherein said opening of said aperture is configured to engage around an outer periphery of said smoke detector so as to mask said smoke detector; a test means integrated through said partial shell for conducting periodical testing of said smoke detector; and a vent means through said partial shell permitting smoke to reach said smoke detector masked by said partial shell.
 10. The sporting-type helmet of claim 9 wherein said axis is a vertical axis.
 11. The sporting-type helmet of claim 9 wherein said axis is a horizontal axis.
 12. The sporting-type helmet of claim 9 wherein said means for testing is an aperture, said aperture provide user access to a test button on said smoke detector.
 13. The sporting-type helmet of claim 9 wherein said means for testing is a helmet button detachably coupled to a test button on said smoke detector.
 14. The sporting-type helmet of claim 9 wherein said means for defining is a side shell, said side shell being substantially one-half of said complete helmet.
 15. The sporting-type helmet of claim 9 wherein said means for defining is a top shell above said vertical axis.
 16. The sporting-type helmet of claim 9 further comprising means for issuing an audio warning upon detection of smoke by said smoke detector.
 17. The sporting-type helmet of claim 9 further comprising means for issuing an audio warning when said smoke detector is inoperative.
 18. A sporting type helmet integratable with a smoke detector, said sporting-type helmet comprising: at least a partial shell defining a portion of a complete helmet, wherein said partial shell defines a generally concave exterior surface, said generally concave exterior surface being three-dimensional, wherein edges of said generally concave exterior surface extend toward each other forming an aperture with an opening, wherein said opening is formed on an axis, said axis defining a split of said complete helmet when said complete helmet is placed upright on a horizontal plane, wherein said opening of said aperture is integrated with a bottom base of a smoke detector, said partial shell forming an outer shell of said smoke detector; a test means integrated through said partial shell for conducting periodical testing of said smoke detector; and a plurality of vents through said partial shell permitting smoke to reach said smoke detector masked by said partial shell.
 19. The sporting-type helmet of claim 18 wherein said smoke detector includes a speaker configured to issue an audio warning when said smoke detector is inoperative.
 20. A sporting type helmet integratable with a smoke detector, said sporting-type helmet comprising: a complete shell defining a helmet, wherein said shell defines a generally concave exterior surface, said generally concave exterior surface being three-dimensional, wherein edges of said generally concave exterior surface extend toward each other forming an aperture with an opening, wherein said opening of said aperture is integrated with a bottom base of a smoke detector, said shell forming an outer shell of said smoke detector; a test means integrated through said shell for conducting periodical testing of said smoke detector; and a plurality of vents through said shell permitting smoke to reach said smoke detector masked by said shell. 